Archive for month: December, 2015

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Smiling is the most important yoga pose you will every practice.

Smiling as a Way of Life.
“Smile you guys, it is just yoga.” One of my yoga teachers often said it in class, her voice will always come to my head especially when I am working very hard on my practice. Sometimes I asked myself why I am practicing so hard, I don’t want to do this anymore. But and again, I let go the moment and practice my smile. Smile helps me find my smile again, find me again.
A smile is not just about curling the corners of our lips, but rather an approach to life.
We can’t take ourselves so seriously all the time. We have to laugh at ourselves, because isn’t it silly that our legs are behind our heads? ;-) At least for me it is funny!
Sometimes I will give myself a laugh and tell myself it is ok that I will never be able to do that yoga pose ever or maybe try it another time.
” Even though yoga is filled with complex ideas, intricate philosophy, and profound spiritual meaning—happiness is still the most important part. What is the point of all the work, commitment, dedication, and sacrifice if you are not happy?
There is nothing sadder than a yogi who only eats bark, wakes up at 3 am to meditate, chants instead of talks, and is miserable.
Life is not easy, but yoga helps us to appreciate the little things, have gratitude, and always remember to smile.” Said by Toni Nagy who is a comedy writer.
Namaste,
Carmen

Video: “RISE & SHINE” Class

Rise & Shine is a slow and easy Vinyasa flow that will move you through the power of inhaling and exhaling. Smooth flowing with the synchronised breathing relaxes your mind and helps to release any blockage of energy flow throughout your body. It is the best way for awakening and opening up your body.

Get ready to start your day!

 

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE: How yoga helped recover a long-lasting shoulder injury in less than a year.

If you had only one word to describe what yoga is to you, what would it be?

“Invigorating. I’m 36 years old and I work as a Client Support Officer in Disability Employment Services and also a pole dance instructor. I had pretty strong shoulders beforehand due to years of pole dancing, however after sustaining an injury to muscle in my left shoulder I was still left with niggling pain even after it had healed.”

“After 12 months of practicing yoga, I noticed the pain has stopped and I feel stronger than ever.”

When did you start doing yoga and what makes you want to continue?

“I started over 12 months ago after attending the 3hr Yoga Base Camp workshop in 2014 with Carmen. I love feeling challenged, I love to see the progression in my practice and I love how I feel afterwards. ”

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(2014 Yoga Base Camp in Bundaberg, Queensland)

How often do you attend yoga classes?

“After completed the 2-week Yoga Challenge in 2014, I was been able to attend two classes a week before I have changed my job. I miss attending more often. I was lucky enough to be able to attend the yoga retreat in Koh Samui this year and it was a fantastic experience. It was such a precious experience to practice yoga in a beautiful part of the world but I really felt like I connected and made some lovely friendships with the other participants, Carmen and her family. ”

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(2015 Yoga Retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand)

What is you next goal or challenge?

“I’m working on the transitions from pose to pose.  As being able to transit from Crow pose and Chaturanga. I’m also working on handstands, I do as instructed in class but I do kick up when I’m practicing at home and I have noticed some progression…..although I’m a very long way off being able to just lift up into it as Carmen so brilliantly demonstrates in class. I’m still working on accomplishing my first tripod headstand .” ;-)

“It really is harder than it looks but is also quite gentle on the body. Yoga is definitely something for all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities.”

“Carmen is an amazing and inspirational woman!”

Would you like to share something with those who might be thinking about doing yoga in the near future?

“You will feel awkward for the first few classes but Carmen guides you through your journey very gently….and it is YOUR journey.”

Rebecca Spencer
Millbank, QLD